Sense Making Conversations

Technology is evolving faster than our minds, communities, and institutions can keep up. In this special solo episode, Andrea Sampson reflects on what she’s learned from twenty conversations with futurists, neuroscientists, strategists, and innovators — and explores the widening gap between exponential technology and slow human systems. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by the pace of change, this episode will help you reclaim your agency and understand what it really takes to stay grounded — and human — in a world moving faster than ever. _____________________________________________________________   Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com

We often think of technology as something separate from us — something we use. But in truth, technology is now part of us.Electronics have become the invisible infrastructure that powers nearly every aspect of our lives — our hospitals, transportation systems, communications, energy grids, and even our personal health. In this episode of Sense-Making Conversations, Andrea Sampson sits down with Dr. John W. Mitchell, President and CEO of the Global Electronics Association, to explore what it means to live in a world where electronics function as the nervous system of the future. Together, they discuss: How electronics moved from innovation to essential infrastructure Why responsible design, ethics, and collaboration are key to global resilience And how the human workforce — from engineers to educators — remains central to technology’s success. John reminds us that the future of electronics is ultimately about the future of humanity: how we connect, collaborate, and care for the systems that connect us all. If you’ve ever wondered what keeps our world running — and what happens when it stops — this conversation will give you a new way to see the power and fragility of our connected age. _____________________________________________________________ As the Global Electronics Association's president and CEO, Dr. John W. Mitchell leads the organization’s global operations and staff. He also assists the board of directors in developing and implementing the Board’s strategic vision and aspirational goals. He joined the Association in 2012 and has been instrumental in responding to an ever-changing business landscape to help its members achieve financial success and strengthen supply chain resilience. Dr. Mitchell has focused the Association on delivering member value through efforts like creating innovative solutions that support standards development, building and growing industry-led education workforce programs, improving member relations, and advocating for pro-industry policies. His most recent efforts have been focused on helping countries and other industries understand the criticality of having an electronics strategy for their continued growth, innovation, and advancement. _____________________________________________________________ Follow John on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwmitchell/ Find more information: johnwmitchell.com Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com

What if the future doesn’t happen to us… what if our dreams decide what comes next? In this episode of Sense-Making Conversations, Andrea Sampson sits down with Ozioma Egwuonwu—Founder of BurnBright International, creator of World Dream Day, and a globally recognized expert in Transformational Strategy and Systems Change—to explore how dreaming becomes a discipline for change. Together, they uncover how imagination transforms into action, how shared purpose leads to progress, and why reclaiming agency begins with daring to dream of something better. _____________________________________________________________ Ozioma Egwuonwu is an internationally celebrated speaker, strategist, and expert in Transformational Strategy and Systems Change. As the Founder and Chief Strategic Transformation Officer of BurnBright International, she helps organizations and leaders turn vision into strategy and activate human potential.   Ozioma has advised governments, Fortune 100 companies, and global institutions on transformation and innovation. She has spoken at the United Nations, TEDx, SXSW, Web Summit, and within the Singularity University Expert Faculty network, as well as at Oxford University and Columbia University. She is also the creator of World Dream Day, the first global holiday dedicated to activating ideas, goals, and dreams—now reaching over one billion people worldwide.  _____________________________________________________________ Follow Ozioma on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozioma Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com

When trust collapses, what takes its place? In this episode of Sense-Making Conversations, Andrea Sampson sits down with Anne Connelly—TEDx Speaker, author, educator, and global authority on blockchain for social good—to explore how decentralization and emerging technologies are reshaping what it means to trust. From broken institutions to blockchain innovation, Anne shares how we can move from systems built on control to ones built on transparency, participation, and shared humanity. If you’ve ever questioned what’s real, who to believe, or how we can rebuild confidence in one another—this conversation will help you imagine a future where trust is rebuilt, not replaced. _____________________________________________________________ Anne Connelly is a trailblazer in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, with over a decade of experience shaping the conversation around decentralized technology and its impact on society. Anne is Faculty at Boston University's Questrom School of Business, where she teaches Blockchain for Social Impact. She is also an expert on exponential thinking and decentralized societies at Singularity University in California and has lectured at Oxford University’s Saïd School of Business on Innovations for Impact Finance. An entrepreneur and angel investor, Anne is a globally sought after consultant and advisor. She has worked with notable organizations including Ralph Lauren, The Television Academy Foundation, United Nations OICT, and NASA. Anne co-authored “Bitcoin and the Future of Fundraising”, a guide for charities on crypto donations. She is certified from the Institute of Corporate Directors and sits as a member of the Gitcoin DAO, a decentralized organization that supports the creation of public goods. Anne previously worked with Doctors Without Borders as a field worker in Central African Republic and the DR Congo. She has a Bachelor of Life Sciences from Queen’s University, an MBA from McMaster University, and is certified in Strategic Disruption from Harvard Business School. She was honoured as one of CBC’s 12 Young Leaders Changing Canada and one of the Fifty Most Inspirational Women in Technology in Canada. _____________________________________________________________ Buy Anne's Book: https://bitcoinfundraising.com/ Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com

What if the system isn’t broken—it’s doing exactly what it was built to do? In this episode of Sense-Making Conversations, Andrea Sampson sits down with Arash Aazami—energy futurist and founder of the Universal Right to Energy initiative—to explore why real change won’t come from fixing old systems, but from redesigning them entirely. From the global energy transition to the way we think about power, Arash challenges us to shift from achieving missions to serving them—and shows how joy, imagination, and mindset can become the scaffolding for a different future. If you’ve ever felt burned out by trying to change a world that resists change, this conversation will give you new ways to imagine—and to build—what comes next. _____________________________________________________________ Arash Aazami is a visionary thinker and entrepreneur who works at the intersection of energy systems, ethics, and paradigm shift. Originally trained as a musician, Arash entered the energy sector and became disillusioned by its entrenched models of scarcity, profit-maximization, and centralized control. He eventually founded Kamangir, a venture committed to designing energy systems based on sufficiency, regeneration, and shared value. His work centers on the idea that energy should be considered a public good — not a commodity — and that the systems we design must support life, not just survival. Arash speaks frequently about burnout among change-makers, including his own experience of emotional and spiritual depletion after years of advocating for change within resistant systems. _____________________________________________________________ Follow Arash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arashaazami/ Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com He is an advocate for paradigm shifts at multiple levels: not just technological or economic, but cognitive, ethical, and spiritual.

We’re not in a tech crisis. We’re in a leadership crisis—and AI is just the pressure test. In this episode of Sense-Making Conversations, Andrea Sampson sits down with Dr. David Bray, former CIO, bipartisan advisor, and one of Business Insider’s “24 Americans Changing the World,” to talk about why our biggest systems—governments, institutions, even communities—are struggling to adapt to exponential change. David brings decades of frontline experience navigating global disruptions—from bioterrorism to cyber warfare, from pandemics to disinformation. And what he makes clear is this: AI won’t break society. But our failure to respond humanely—and imaginatively—might. Together, they explore: Why trust is migrating away from institutions How fear and anxiety are shaping systems And what it will take to govern—not with control, but with courage If you’re wondering what it really means to lead in a time of collapse and creation, this conversation is for you. _____________________________________________________________ David Bray has spent his life tackling complex global challenges at the intersection of technology, policy, and human resilience—from briefing on bioterrorism preparedness during 9/11 and leading U.S. public health crisis responses, to advising on AI, cybersecurity, and space innovation for government, industry, and global coalitions. He has served as Executive Director for two bipartisan U.S. Commissions, earned national and global recognition for transformational leadership, and was named one of Business Insider’s “24 Americans Changing the World.” A distinguished fellow, keynote speaker, and advisor, David brings a bold, benevolent approach to adaptive leadership in times of rapid change. _____________________________________________________________ Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbray Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com

The biggest threat to the future of work isn’t AI—it’s inertia. In this episode, Andrea Sampson speaks with Mark Patterson, one of Canada’s leading voices on inclusive recruitment and labour market innovation, about what most leaders are getting wrong. While tech accelerates, our systems—education, hiring, policy—are standing still. Mark has spent over a decade helping employers and institutions redesign for the real world of work: fast-changing, skill-fractured, and increasingly unequal. And he argues that if we don’t act now, we’ll miss the chance to build a more human, inclusive future. This isn’t theory. It’s already happening. If you’re building teams, guiding systems, or shaping strategy—this episode will change how you see what’s coming. _____________________________________________________________ Mark Patterson is a changemaker, pioneering new approaches in career development, inclusive recruitment and contextualized labour market information to drive social and economic change. For more than a decade, he has focused on providing opportunities for diverse job seekers – whether MBA students, high-tech professionals or refugees – and addressing the needs of employers for talent. As Executive Director, Mark led the creation of Magnet, a social Innovation project based at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he has built a national network of partners across sectors powered by a data-rich, job-matching technology platform to bridge the skills gap. Supporting 12,000 employers with more than 250 community, labour, educational and industry organizations, Magnet is bridging the skills gap while advancing diversity and inclusion. _____________________________________________________________ Follow Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-patterson-magnet/ Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com

Singularity University was built to shape the future.   But after the disruption and changing business climate from the pandemic, it almost disappeared. In this episode of Sense-Making Conversations, Andrea sits down with Aaron Vaccaro, President of Singularity Group (formerly Singularity University), to unpack the quiet crisis that nearly took the organization down—and the radical clarity it took to bring it back.   This is a story about what happens when a mission driven organizations begins to stray into more ego driven decision making… when a team begins to forget its shared vision… and when leadership has to choose what to let go of.   Aaron shares what it meant to step into the collapse and lead from heart, not ego—rebuilding culture, strategy, and rediscovering a purpose that could reunite the passion that was still held within the team.   If you’ve ever led through uncertainty… or questioned whether to stay or walk away…this episode is for you... listen to what honest leadership really sounds like and make sure to stay with all the way through, Aaron's lessons are essential for any leader facing change. _____________________________________________________________ Aaron Vaccaro serves as President at Singularity, where he has led the organization’s transformation since 2023. Prior to joining, Aaron was Vice President at WestRiver Group, a global innovation investment platform and lead investor in Singularity. _____________________________________________________________ Follow Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronvaccaro/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9lKpC76iMyrpCJ3eQWBkdxZZudvlNJ_N Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com  

We all know the names—Eve, Jezebel, Sheba, Medusa. But what if these weren’t just stories from the past... What if they’ve been shaping how we see women, power, and leadership all along? In this episode of Sense-Making Conversations, Andrea Sampson sits down with Kadie Philp, the creator of The Garden of Even, a storytelling project that re-examines the origin myths we've inherited—and reclaims them. Together, Andrea and Kadie explore: How cultural myths quietly shape our systems and beliefs Why female archetypes were rewritten as warnings What changes when we tell the truth beneath the story This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt the tension between who they are and who they were told to be. Because when we change the story, we don’t just change perception—we reshape possibility. 🎧 Stay through to the end for a powerful reflection on how to begin rewriting the narratives that no longer serve us. _______________________________________________________ Kadie Philp is a seasoned executive whose career has been characterized by successful collaboration across public, private and civil society organizations to design and deliver inclusive urban and economic growth strategies. In 2012 Ward founded Build Strong Cities, a consultancy that has taken her around the world working with over 100 cities in 30 countries legislators to establish programs and legislation to support women-led micro and small enterprises as well as women’s participation in the economy. _______________________________________________________ Follow Kadie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kadieward/?originalSubdomain=ca Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9lKpC76iMyrpCJ3eQWBkdxZZudvlNJ_N Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com

What if what you believe isn’t fully your own? In this conversation, futurist and digital anthropologist Sam Rad joins Andrea Sampson to explore how unseen systems—synthetic media, behavioral design, algorithmic filters—are subtly influencing not just how we think, but how we feel, choose, and trust. Sam offers a compelling new lens: our perceptual field—the sum of our sensory, emotional, and intuitive inputs—is under increasing pressure. But the answer isn’t panic. It’s presence. This is a conversation about returning to our internal wisdom. About slowing down, tuning in, and discerning with the full instrument of our humanity. If you’re a leader, builder, or seeker trying to stay clear while the world feels engineered for confusion—this episode will meet you exactly where you are. _______________________________________________________ Sam Rad (Samantha Radocchia) is a lifelong student of humanity – futurist, anthropologist, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Radical Next, a meta-media studio creating transformative stories, experiences, and media productions that shape a positive future. Her upcoming book by the same name, Radical Next: Thriving in Times of Radical Change explores how “radical next ideas” and technologies will transform societies in the decades to come. _______________________________________________________   Watch Sam on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@samradofficial Follow Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samradofficial/ Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samradofficial/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9lKpC76iMyrpCJ3eQWBkdxZZudvlNJ_N Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com

In her first solo episode, Andrea Sampson—speaker coach, narrative strategist, and host of Sense-Making Conversations—weaves together insights from past guests to introduce a powerful tool for clarity and coherence in complex times: the Sense-Making Triangle. Drawing from conversations with Tiffany Vora, Dr. Ann Conn, Farah Nasser, Misha Byrne, Kellan Fluckiger, and more, Andrea explores three stabilizing leadership practices: 🔺 Discernment – sensing signal beneath the noise 🔺 Adaptability – responding without fragmenting 🔺 Purpose – tuning into your core harmonic If you’ve been feeling scattered, burned out, or unsure how to lead with intention in a fast-moving world—this episode is your invitation to return to resonance. With grounding tools, strategic reframes, and real-world applications, Andrea offers a simple framework to help you become a clear signal in the noise. 🧠 Whether you're a founder, leader, storyteller, or changemaker, this solo conversation will equip you with a practical path to clarity, emotional regulation, and leadership alignment. 🎧 Listen now to: • Discover the Sense-Making Triangle • Reframe burnout through a biological lens • Reconnect with presence, purpose, and truth _______________________________________________________ Andrea Sampson, CEO and Founder of Talk Boutique, brings over 25 years experience from her career in the advertising industry where she led transformative campaigns for Fortune 100 companies. Her proven expertise in art of narrative and integrated communication strategies revolutionized brand messaging and set benchmarks for engaging storytelling in a business context. Transitioning from advertising to thought leadership, Andrea has significantly impacted the TED community as a curator, organizer, and speaker coach for TEDx events. Her role was instrumental in bringing Singularity University to Canada, where as Head of Faculty for SingularityU Canada, she merged her communication skills with the exponential technologies shaping our future. Her leadership extended to overseeing the certification of Singularity University’s faculty globally, ensuring the highest standards of excellence in presentations and speaking using a TED-style approach for technical speakers. Andrea’s leadership continues to inspire and propel the conversation forward, positioning her as a thought leader to thought leaders. _______________________________________________________ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9lKpC76iMyrpCJ3eQWBkdxZZudvlNJ_N Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com  

We talk about burnout like it’s a mindset. A weakness. Something to fix with time off or better habits. But what if it’s biological? In this episode of Sense-Making Conversations,Andrea is joined by triple board-certified neurologist Dr. Ann Conn, who breaks down how our brains are reacting to a world they were never designed for. From the constant stream of information to the invisible emotional load we carry, Dr. Conn explains what’s happening physiologically—and how we can begin to interrupt the cycle. If you’ve ever felt like rest doesn’t work anymore, this episode might help you understand why. 🔗 GUEST LINKS  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-ann-conn-md-0295b560/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annconnmd/ _______________________________________________________ Dr. Ann Conn is the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder of Neuroglympse, a pioneering TBI diagnostics company, and Rhymetics, a leader in Remote Therapeutic Monitoring for Neurology, Psychiatry, and Cardiology. As a triple board-certified physician in Pain Management, Neurology, and Headache Medicine, she brings deep clinical expertise and a passion for innovation to improve patient care. A recognized leader in her field, Dr. Conn combine strategic thinking and a collaborative approach to drive impactful results in healthcare. Her experience spans complex patient care, medical devices, ambulatory surgery centers, editorial review boards, and entrepreneurial ventures in healthcare. She is deeply committed to fostering a supportive environment and cultivating long-term partnerships with patients, colleagues, and teammates. Mentorship, advocacy, and writing are integral to my work, and she takes pride in having successfully lobbied for healthcare improvements at local, state, and federal levels. Drawing on personal and professional challenges, she is a heart-centered public speaker known for simplifying complex medical topics for diverse audiences. In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Dr. Conn maintains a thriving legal expert and private practice in Interventional Pain Medicine and Headache Medicine. She also serve patients at Pinnacle Ambulatory Surgery Center and Advanced Pain Institute, offering cutting-edge care to improve their quality of life. _______________________________________________________ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9lKpC76iMyrpCJ3eQWBkdxZZudvlNJ_N Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com  

We’re unlearning neutrality- and reclaiming our voice. In this episode of Sense Making Conversations, Andrea sits down with celebrated journalist Farah Nasser to explore what happens when your work requires you to be impartial, but your truth demands to be heard. Farah, formerly a national news anchor in Canada, shares why she walked away from a high-profile career in broadcast journalism to reclaim her authenticity—and what it cost her to stay silent for so long. This is a conversation for truth-seekers, change-makers, and anyone who's ever wondered if fitting in means giving something up. Together, Farah and Andrea unpack: The difference between facts and truth Why authenticity can feel radical in professional spaces The cost of masking in the name of professionalism What happens when women stop playing small and start speaking up This episode isn’t just about media- it’s about courage. It’s about what we owe ourselves when the mask no longer fits. If you’ve ever felt the friction between who you are and what your role expects, Farah’s story will resonate deeply. Listen now and be reminded: Your voice, your story, and your truth- matter. 🔗 GUEST LINKS Website: farahnasser.com Instagram: @farahnasserglobal LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/farah-nasser-15649610 _______________________________________________________ Farah Nasser is a respected journalist, media personality, and public speaker. With over two decades in broadcast news, Farah has been a trusted voice in Canadian households, anchoring for major national networks and covering pivotal stories that shaped public discourse. Her work has always been rooted in truth-telling and empathy, and today, she’s using her voice to go deeper—beyond headlines and into the stories that matter most. Farah’s recent transition from the anchor desk to independent thought leadership is driven by her desire to engage in more authentic, unfiltered conversations about the world we live in. She’s an advocate for journalistic integrity, a passionate storyteller, and a courageous voice for change. _______________________________________________________ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9lKpC76iMyrpCJ3eQWBkdxZZudvlNJ_N Follow Andrea on Instagram: @thisisandreasampson Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: @talk.boutique Learn more: https://talkboutique.com  

We’re thinking less—and not because we’re lazy. In this episode of Sense Making Conversations, neuroscientist and strategist Misha Byrne joins Andrea to explore how AI, automation, and modern life are eroding our ability to reason. From dopamine to decision fatigue, Misha explains what’s happening inside our brains—and why slowing down might be the most powerful thing we can do. This is a conversation for leaders, thinkers, and curious humans navigating the tension between convenience and agency. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when we stop asking why, this episode offers a way to begin again. 🔗 GUEST LINKS LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/misha-byrne Medium: medium.com/@mishabyrne NeuroPower Group: https://neuro.group Singularity University Faculty Profile: https://www.su.org/experts/misha-byrne Keynotes + Global Talks: Search “Misha Byrne” on YouTube or LinkedIn for featured speaking _____________________________________________________ Misha Byrne is a social-cognitive neuroscientist specializing in the brain mechanisms behind performance monitoring and enhancement. Transitioning from research, he now serves as a behavioral strategist and 'behavior hacker.' He holds key positions as Managing Partner for Europe and the USA at Neuro Group and as Head of Consulting at The Future Academy X in Munich. In his current roles, Misha leverages neuroscience to assist business leaders in embracing digitalization and AI adoption. His work focuses on simplifying technology adaptation, enhancing team performance, and designing human-centered companies, products, and communities. Notable projects include co-creating a human-like AI personality for a leading Japanese car manufacturer, driving digital transformation in healthcare, and facilitating peace initiatives among Indian and Pakistani doctors. ​ As an invited editor of "NeuroPower: Leading with Neurointelligence," Misha contributes to integrating neuroscience insights into leadership practices. His current endeavors center on infusing science, empathy, and practicality into the Future of Work, harnessing technology, diversity, and collaboration to build high-performance cultures. _____________________________________________________ Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisandreasampson/ Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk.boutique/ Check out Talk Boutique: https://talkboutique.com/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xJCzmCOmbAQ  

What happens when the life you’ve built on success, power, and ambition stops working? In this episode, Andrea sits down with Kellan Fluckiger—a former C-suite executive who seemed to have it all, until he lost almost everything. What followed was a breakdown, a spiritual reckoning, and a journey toward what he now calls his “ultimate life.” But this isn’t just his story—it’s an invitation. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to perform, the ache of emptiness beneath your achievements, or the quiet whisper that there must be more… this conversation is for you. Raw, honest, and deeply human—this episode is about surrender, self-worth, and what it really means to live a life that matters. _______________________________________ Kellan Fluckiger is a transformational speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author who has helped thousands of people reclaim their power, rewrite their personal narratives, and create extraordinary lives—regardless of where they’ve started. After building a high-powered corporate career in the energy sector, Kellan experienced a personal reckoning that led him to addiction, breakdown, and ultimately, a profound reinvention. Now, with over two decades of experience in deep personal transformation, spiritual resilience, and high-performance coaching, Kellan works with individuals and organizations to uncover what he calls “the Ultimate Life”—a life of purpose, service, and joy. His work combines radical honesty, deep empathy, and a no-nonsense approach to healing and success. _______________________________________ Join the Dream Build Write It challenge: www.dreambuildwriteit.com Follow Kellan on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellanfluckiger/ Listen to Kellan's Podcast: https://www.yourultimatelifepodcast.com Learn more about Kellan: https://kellanfluckigermedia.com Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisandreasampson/ Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk.boutique/ Check out Talk Boutique: https://talkboutique.com/  

What if trust isn’t something we recover—but something we redesign? In this episode of Sense Making Conversations, Andrea sits down with technologist and futurist Cory Lopes-Warfield to explore a new approach to leadership: co-governance. It’s a model that uses AI, blockchain, and verified human identity to move beyond top-down power and create shared systems of decision-making. From universal basic income to decentralized identity, Cory offers a bold vision for rebuilding trust—not just in institutions, but in each other. If you’ve ever wondered whether democracy is still working—or if something better is possible—this episode invites you to imagine what comes next. __________________________________________________________ Before becoming an official LinkedIn Top Voice with over a half million followers and nearly a billion impressions, Cory was a career waiter who solved the problem of scheduling in the restaurant industry using data and machine learning. Cory bootstrapped that venture from idea to market, then raised capital from accelerators, angels and VC to grow the team, gain substantial traction, and ultimately exited after several years to pursue other entrepreneurial endeavors. Through that experience, Cory had created a LinkedIn profile that was instrumental in the growth of that venture every single step of the way — learning the algorithm, growth hacks, and tuning into the psychology of the platform was truly the “secret to my success”. This turned into a venture of its own (Coryconnects) where he has helped create dozens of other top influencers on the platform as a viral growth coach, while he has gone on to help web3 companies build, scale and raise capital as a cofounder at DCRBN Labs, helped dozens of early stage startups as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) at the Founder Institute where he has also been named Mentor in Excellence several times and was a Managing Director for several cohorts, all the while delivering keynotes such as at The Metaverse Expo in Vegas, covering CES as the face of Interesting Engineering where Cory was a partner and Editor in Chief of AI Newsletter, AI Logs, which I quit to launch my own weekly newsletter, “Tech For Good”. Cory is a futurist, a growth hacker, an influencer, a serial entrepreneur, a traveler, explorer, philanthropist, musician, and he loves his wife and family, pets, animals in general, and our earth greatly. __________________________________________________________ Find Cory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corywarfield/ Newsletters via LinkedIn (weekly drop): Tech for Good and The Best Tech Newsletter (coming soon via LinkedIn) WeeJay Music Platform: https://weejay.world Verified (Humanhood Verification Project): https://vrfd.world (coming soon) Loving Is AI: https://lovingis.ai Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisandreasampson/ Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk.boutique/ Check out Talk Boutique: https://talkboutique.com/  

As governments like the U.S. scale back or dismantle longstanding international aid commitments, the world faces a critical question: What happens when the safety net disappears? In this urgent and far-reaching conversation, Dr. Nicholas Haan—development economist, famine expert, and Singularity University faculty—joins host Andrea Sampson to explore the deep consequences of this shift. From the closure of USAID to parallel cutbacks in Canada and Europe, we unpack what this unraveling means for millions of vulnerable people—and for all of us. But this isn’t just a story of loss. It's a conversation about opportunity: the chance to reimagine aid, leapfrog broken systems, and build new models of global solidarity rooted in exponential technology and human empathy. This is the episode for anyone wondering what role business, innovation, and values must play in a world where traditional systems are no longer guaranteed. _____________________________________________________ Dr. Nicholas Haan is a distinguished expert at the nexus of science, technology, and global development, with over 25 years dedicated to addressing humanity's grand challenges. His career encompasses a broad spectrum of social impact initiatives, underscoring his commitment to societal advancement. His career began as a science teacher in a remote Kenyan village with the Peace Corps, an experience that ignited his commitment to social good and led to more than two decades of international work, primarily in East and Southern Africa. Dr. Haan created the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an international standard for assessing the severity of food insecurity and disasters. Which has been instrumental in informing decisions to combat hunger globally, reflecting Dr. Haan's profound impact on food security. ​ Since 2012, Dr. Haan has been affiliated with Singularity University, serving as Vice President for Impact, Faculty Chair of Global Grand Challenges, and Managing Director for the Global Startup Program. In these roles, he focuses on leveraging exponential technologies to address critical global issues, fostering innovation with a social purpose. Find Nick on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/nickjhaan     Watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/RF3JockBRSM Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisandreasampson/ Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk.boutique/ Check out Talk Boutique: https://talkboutique.com/

Obesity isn’t new—but the way we understand it is changing fast. In this powerful and practical episode of Sense Making Conversations, health futurist Zayna Khayat joins Andrea Sampson to explore how modern medicine is disrupting one of the biggest public health crises of our time. With new therapies like GLP-1 agonists reshaping the obesity landscape, we may be on the edge of a dramatic shift in how we define—and deliver—health. But this conversation goes far beyond weight loss. Together, Zayna and Andrea unpack how human biology, engineered food systems, sedentary lifestyles, and decades of cultural messaging collided to create the obesity crisis—and what a post-obesity world could mean for everything from healthcare and mental health to stigma, equity, and the global food economy. If you care about the future of health, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. ___________________________________ Zayna Khayat is a globally recognized health futurist and system innovator, known for translating complex health trends into actionable insights for institutions, policymakers, and individuals. With a PhD in molecular genetics and a background that spans academia, healthcare strategy, public policy, and exponential technology, Zayna brings a uniquely systems-level view to the future of human health. She’s worked with organizations such as SE Health, MaRS Discovery District, and Teladoc Health Canada, and currently teaches health sector strategy at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. Zayna is also a faculty member with Singularity University and is actively involved in helping shape new models for healthcare delivery and public well-being. The Future of Aging: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Aging-Shirlee-Sharkey/dp/0973081619/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=future+of+aging&qid=1583205788&sr=8-1 Find Zayna on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zkhayat/ Book Zayna to speak: https://calendly.com/andrea2910/speaker-booking-inquiry   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tfiNbR7X-40?si=7tHp-eXtWgRq3QTS  Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisandreasampson/ Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk.boutique/ Check out Talk Boutique: https://talkboutique.com/  

“If you’re reacting instead of responding, you’re probably being manipulated.” In an era where facts are debated and truth feels more like a point of view than a shared foundation, how do we make sense of the world around us? In this episode of Sense Making Conversations, Andrea Sampson sits down with futurist and molecular biologist Dr. Tiffany Vora to explore the collapsing boundaries between fact, perception, and belief—and how scientific thinking can help us find solid ground. Why our understanding of “truth” has shifted from something objective to something emotional—and what we lose when that shift goes unexamined How generative AI is changing not just what we believe, but how we form beliefs What it takes to move from confusion to clarity—by slowing down, questioning our assumptions, and learning to respond instead of react This is a conversation for anyone who feels disoriented in today’s information landscape—where what’s real is up for debate, and certainty is hard to come by. If you’re trying to hold onto critical thinking in a world full of noise, this episode is a grounding place to begin. ___________________________________ Dr. Tiffany Vora is a globally recognized scientist, futurist, and thought leader at the forefront of digital biology, AI, and innovation. As a faculty member and former Vice Chair of Digital Biology at Singularity University, she has advised Fortune 500 companies, policymakers, and entrepreneurs on harnessing cutting-edge science to solve real-world challenges. With a Ph.D. in molecular biology from Princeton, Tiffany masterfully translates complex scientific concepts into actionable insights, helping leaders navigate the rapidly evolving intersections of biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and societal transformation. Renowned for her ability to connect the dots between science, technology, and human behavior, she empowers audiences to rethink decision-making, embrace emerging opportunities, and create a future driven by data, discovery, and innovation. 💫 Check out Tiffany’s articles, videos, podcasts, and more (https://www.tiffanyvora.com/collections) on her website💫 Reach out to Tiffany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mynetwork/ 💫 Follow Tiffany on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyjvora/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q4-yTIpmLTI?si=x6gUKWonnMepuUYY  Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisandreasampson/Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk.boutique/Check out Talk Boutique: https://talkboutique.com/  

“At some point, we stopped dreaming. Not because we don’t care—but because we’re afraid to hope.”   In this episode of Sense Making Conversations, Andrea Sampson is joined by futurist and author Nikolas Badminton for a conversation that reclaims something we’ve quietly abandoned: the belief that the future can be better—and that we have a role in building it.   Together, they unpack the silent weight of apathy, the exhaustion of cynicism, and the seductive illusion that motion equals progress—when in fact, what we need is direction.   - Why “hope is not a strategy” misses the point—and what we lose when we believe it - How hype cycles have replaced vision—and what it takes to dream responsibly  - The rise of the Hope Engineer—and how to become one in your life, your work, and your culture   This is not a feel-good conversation. It’s a courageous one. About what it means to lead in times of collapse, and how we find the strength to begin again.   If you’ve stopped picturing a future that excites you, this episode will remind you: we don’t wait for hope. We build it.  ___________________________________   Nikolas Badminton is a world-renowned futurist, strategic foresight expert, and the Chief Futurist at Futurist Think Tank. He has advised over 400 of the world’s most impactful organizations—from NASA to Google to the United Nations—on how to navigate the future through deep foresight, systems thinking, and the power of hope.   A former data scientist and cultural theorist, Nik is also the author of the bestselling book Facing Our Futures (2023) and the forthcoming The Hope Engineers Playbook, which combines modern hope theory, futures thinking, and practical tools for building agency in uncertain times. His work focuses on empowering individuals and organizations to envision—and build—equitable, resilient futures grounded in possibility and purpose.   Nik splits his time between Canada and the UK and is a sought-after keynote speaker, thinker, and provocateur on the global stage.      Follow Andrea on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisandreasampson/   Follow Talk Boutique on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talk.boutique/   Check out Talk Boutique: https://talkboutique.com/   Find more information on Nik Badminton: https://futurist.com/ https://nikolasbadminton.com/\

With uncertainty and complexity shaping our daily lives, Sense Making Conversations with Andrea Sampson is your guide to understanding what's at play in our world today. Through deep, insightful conversations with thought leaders across industries, disciplines, and perspectives, Andrea unpacks the societal, political, and human shifts redefining our world. With a mix of expert interviews and solo reflections, she connects the dots between technology, culture, innovation, and the personal choices we make every day. Join Andrea as she asks the big questions, explores new perspectives, and helps you make sense of an ever-changing world. Available on all podcast platforms, including YouTube. Hit follow so you don't miss an episode!